Israel sees need for political breakthrough in Lebanon

An Israeli security official has acknowledged that military operations in southern Lebanon are insufficient to neutralise all threats, calling for a political breakthrough to change the situation on the ground. The remarks were carried by the Israeli public broadcaster Kan, which cited the source speaking to the Knesset news network on Wednesday morning.

"Even if we take full control of all of southern Lebanon, as some propose, these steps will not allow us to destroy the last remaining explosive drones or rockets of Hezbollah," the source said, according to Kan. The assessment underscores a recognition that ground advances alone cannot dismantle the group's arsenal.

Defensive measures and cost

The Israeli military has been implementing various defensive measures, including deploying protective nets at a cost of roughly half a million shekels, aimed at reducing damage from explosive drones. The broadcaster noted that current fighting in Lebanon does not guarantee the removal of all threats to northern communities.

Even strengthening ground control in southern Lebanon would not prevent Hezbollah's attrition strategy, which includes firing from high elevations, launching long-range rockets, deploying drones, and posing remote threats, Kan reported.

Military action not enough

The same security source stressed that a political breakthrough is necessary alongside long-term military deterrence. "Military action alone is not enough. A political breakthrough is required, along with maintaining long-term military deterrence, in order to change the reality," the source said.

The comments reflect growing recognition in Israeli security circles that the current military campaign has limitations in achieving strategic objectives in southern Lebanon.